A politician visited a village and asked what their needs were.
”We have 2 basic needs sir,” replied the villager.
“Firstly, we have a hospital, but there’s no doctor.”
On hearing this, politician whipped out his cellphone, and after speaking for a while he reassured the village leader that the doctor would be there the next day. He then asked about the second problem.
“Secondly sir, there is no cellphone coverage anywhere in this village.”
Jay is far more optimistic than I for peace. Trump wants it bec he thinks his “make deals” plan wins every time & will get him the Nobel for this. Putin wants no peace until he gets land and ownership back. Zelenskyy wants peace and to rebuild his proud country. His tolerance for BS and his fortitude are remarkable.
And when things are finally said and done (we can only hope for peace and favorable terms for Ukraine), it will be Zelenskyy, not tRumpf, that gets the Noble Peace Prize.
Meanwhile, I would disagree with the third grade assessment. Having learned about government, my third graders would understand things that Trump apparently doesn't. I say his temperament if of a toddler and the mean-spiritedness of a poorly raised junior high schooler. He needs social-emotional training, but it won't happen.
Zelenskyy, heart of a lion, looking exhausted but he knows the lies, the psyops campaign and still has the vision for his country, which says more about him than the motley crew in MLago.
I have read (in a couple places) that Zelensky was not met by any US officials when his plane landed in Florida - only by the Ukrainian ambassador. We are such an embarrassment on the world stage, and I so admire Zelensky for his patience and restraint since he knows that he must work with the administration.
I read that as well, and saw footage of it. But Zelenskyy emerged from the plane in a T-shirt, which I loved. True heroes don't need the frippery of fashion or military garb. Or fatigues, like Border Barbie Noem.
LET'S NOT FORGET HEGSETH IN A JACKET CHOSEN BECAUSE IT IS TWO SIZESS TOO SMALL FOR HIM. OH THE MUSCLES! SO IMPRESSSIVE! BUT NOTHING TO SHOW THE MUSCLES WHERE HIS BRAIN SHOULD BE.
Kegsbreath can't do a single pull-up, he clearly skips leg days, and when he tries to hang out with his fellow youngsters he kick-flips the skateboard into his nuts. But… fat generals, amirite?
They (US) have contempt for Zelensky. This US administration is so full of itself that other than China & Russia they see all other nations as inferior territories to be dominated. The world sees the US government is morally bankrupt and is no longer a trustworthy ally. They(US) are jealous & afraid that a comedian turned politician is still standing strong against a so-called super power, because he is shown to be a real leader that other countries may emulate to stand up to the US, notwithstanding its military strength. Zelensky has more conviction, courage, resilience and intelligence. in his pinky finger than Trump and his band of boot-lickers sitting at the table in the picture above. He deserves a noble peace prize if this war ever ends, and post it on 'X' - who has the cards now baby?
From your typing fingers to the powers that be, Jay. Zelenskyy is a brave soul, a hero, and very noble for continuing to face trump and his gaggle of goons, all for love of his country, democracy and his people.
Just that photograph of trump surrounded by mean, ugly, braindead white men made my skin crawl - had I been Z walking into that meeting, I'd have had to take a very deep breath, remember the idiocy I was about to encounter and steel myself.
He's definitely a heroic human being to whom we can look for inspiration, even if it's wistful, remembering how we once looked at the American president like that.
Zelenskyy is an AWESOME president & negotiator. Just like us, he knows trump is on the way out, so he's playing the long game. When Democrats retake control of Congress, Ukraine(& the EU, UK, Western Europe & our allies) will get the help they need. SLAVA UKRAINI!
I'm so proud of Pope Leo and many of the clergy for speaking out! I gave up going to church as a teenager >50 years ago (for Lent🙂) Finally, I'm hearing people really ask what Jesus would do.
WHILE I WHOLLY SUPPORT SEPARATION OF CHIRCH AND STATE, OUR CHURCHES, TEMPLES AND MOSQUES ARE BASTIONS OF OUR MORALS. THERE COME TIMES WHEN THEY MUST SPEAK. NOW IS SUCH A TIME.
The only things that will make Putin “compromise” are more effective sanctions, more effective armaments for Ukraine and fear that the Russian people will turn against his regime en masse. Will Trump assist in making that happen? Doubtful.
Well said, friend: "That makes Zelenskyy the continuing hero of this story, struggling against a cabal of villains and idiots who plainly see not a murderous warmonger in Putin but a golden ticket, a way to secure vast oil and mineral wealth. These are not real peacemakers; they are robber barons. And they will do what is best for themselves, not the world, Ukraine or even the U.S."
I'll say it again: Donald should have to go to Ukraine to talk to Pres. Zelenskyy. What's he afraid of? Is he incapable of doing something the man he called sleepy & incompetent and a Black woman managed to do?
When this came up quite some time ago, JD had the brazenness/stupidity to say, "I've watched and read the stories [about the war]." Yes, because that is exactly the same as being there. Cowards.
If Vance or Trump got caught in a war zone, they'd be worse off than than the coward in Saving Private Ryan. They'd try to bribe the enemy to stop from being shot.
Jay, for a while, I’ve been working on a concept surrounding or defining Zelenskyy in Ukraine as I see him while trying to articulate a concept for how to define what he has managed to accomplish over these last 3 years. I call it “The Zelenskyy Effect.” I hope it catches on and eventually we see classes taught about this concept all over the world at world class universities.
The Zelenskyy Effect is what happens when a democratically elected leader under invasion refuses exile, looks both his own people and the world in the eye, and, through moral courage and unfiltered communication, forces corrupt and complicit powers to choose between democracy and decay—reshaping alliances until democracy rallies to his side and an otherwise doomed country survives and prospers.
1. I’m anticipating his survival and 2. I’m anticipating our democratic survival which is yet to happen, but I like our chances.
“World class universities” and let’s start even earlier than that. Kindergarten. Start with moral courage as a lesson. They can handle that if presented in an age-appropriate way, don’t you think?
I also appreciate the reference 😊the previous line was "The quality I look for most is optimism: especially optimism in the face of reverses and apparent defeat. " Zelenskyy has that moral courage.
Here, here that is exactly what I am teaching my six year old Grandson. To be fair and kinder to his 4 year old sister, all because that is what is right! He is more than able to understand and implement that reasoning, critical thinking.
Completely agree with you. It is shameful that previous security measures were considered mere suggestions rather than firm stances. Putin invaded and should not be rewarded with any Ukrainian territory. The Crimean theft was bad enough. It is also shameful how the West failed to respond effectively in 2014.
There's really only one way the war ends: by Putin leaving Ukraine. And that won't happen as the war is how Putin stays in power. The Russian economy is an absolute disaster, getting wors, and with over 1,000,000 Russians killed, families destroyed, it will take decades for Russia to recover from this.
Add Russia's centuries long goal of imperialism, and their belief that Ukraine and Ukrainians simply should not exist.
Between that, Trump and that pathetic rogues gallery with their Russia/business interests-first...with a pro-fascism/pro-Russia VP Vance waiting in the wings...here's to the EU continuing to step up. Because on the battlefield, Russia has no cards, they are losing, and the best they can hope for is an ongoing meat grinder stalemate, the longer Ukraine doesn't get the support they need.
I really wish South Park would cover Trump’s obsession with winning the Nobel Peace Prize (because we all know that’s what his real motivation is). I’d pity him if I didn’t hate him so much.
You might check Timothy Snyder's substack "Thinking About." Periodically he posts links for donations. The last one was to help Ukraine buy ambulances. He has very close connections to Ukraine, so I'm confident that every penny is well spent.
Lev Parnas has a cousin in Ukraine delivering generators, food, clothing, etc., to anyone who needs anything in Ukraine. He has a gofundme link in his substack, Lev Remembers. His cousin’s envoy was just bombed, but he saved all the generators before collapsing unconscious. He’s doing better in the hospital & getting ready to get back to deliveries. The spirit of the Ukrainians is remarkable.
Thank you All. I have made a couple of donations but I’m glad to know of some other organizations seeking help. I guess we can all also write our federal legislators and make it clear to them how we feel about Trump’s handling of Ukraine and Zelenskyy in particular.
A politician visited a village and asked what their needs were.
”We have 2 basic needs sir,” replied the villager.
“Firstly, we have a hospital, but there’s no doctor.”
On hearing this, politician whipped out his cellphone, and after speaking for a while he reassured the village leader that the doctor would be there the next day. He then asked about the second problem.
“Secondly sir, there is no cellphone coverage anywhere in this village.”
Well written. Thabk you.
Jay is far more optimistic than I for peace. Trump wants it bec he thinks his “make deals” plan wins every time & will get him the Nobel for this. Putin wants no peace until he gets land and ownership back. Zelenskyy wants peace and to rebuild his proud country. His tolerance for BS and his fortitude are remarkable.
And when things are finally said and done (we can only hope for peace and favorable terms for Ukraine), it will be Zelenskyy, not tRumpf, that gets the Noble Peace Prize.
IF I WERE ON THE NOBEL BOARD I WOILD BE AS LIKELY TO GIVE THE PTIZE YO TRUMP AS POSTHUMOISLY TO ATTILLA THE HUN.
He will do anything for the peace prize. He’s like a chicken with a shiny object dangled before his eyes.
Meanwhile, I would disagree with the third grade assessment. Having learned about government, my third graders would understand things that Trump apparently doesn't. I say his temperament if of a toddler and the mean-spiritedness of a poorly raised junior high schooler. He needs social-emotional training, but it won't happen.
LET'S JUST HOPE HE DISAPEARS.
LOLOLOL I am picturing that now. Thanks for the laugh.
I think Trump will be the Chamberlain of our time. Willing to trade land for a Nobel nomination.
That joke sounds like it originated in Russia in the 1950's.
Some of the "silent" jokes they had back then were very dark - and very true.
One that seems particularly relevant to the US at the moment is:
"Lenin, Stalin and Kruschev were on a train, which broke down in the middle of Siberia.
After a while, Lenin said "I will get the train going! I have a five year plan!"
They sat there for five years - but the train didn't move.
So Stalin said "I'll go see the engineer, that'll get it going!" So he shoots the engineer. Still the train doesn't move.
Then Kruschev leans over and pulls down all the blinds in the carriage. They can't see a thing.
"NOW!" says Kruschev. "NOW the train is moving!"
The Russians knew a LOT about press suppression. . .
Bwahahaha!! Sadly hilarious!
SOMEHOW, THAT POLITICIAN REMINDS ME OF TRUMP.
Zelenskyy, heart of a lion, looking exhausted but he knows the lies, the psyops campaign and still has the vision for his country, which says more about him than the motley crew in MLago.
JUST CONSIDER FOR A MINUTE HOW HISTORY WILL JUDGE ZELENSKY AND HOW IT WILL JUDGE TRUMP.
Wouldn’t it be great ( and just) for Zelenskyy to get the Noble Peace Prize in 2026? He, alone, is the one seeking a plan that could actually work.
and sainthood
I have read (in a couple places) that Zelensky was not met by any US officials when his plane landed in Florida - only by the Ukrainian ambassador. We are such an embarrassment on the world stage, and I so admire Zelensky for his patience and restraint since he knows that he must work with the administration.
And yet when he landed in Halifax, PM Carney was there to meet him. Most of Europe and the British Commonwealth support him. This regime, no.
I read that as well, and saw footage of it. But Zelenskyy emerged from the plane in a T-shirt, which I loved. True heroes don't need the frippery of fashion or military garb. Or fatigues, like Border Barbie Noem.
...or a "child's medium" sized jacket, like Ka$h Patel.
LET'S NOT FORGET HEGSETH IN A JACKET CHOSEN BECAUSE IT IS TWO SIZESS TOO SMALL FOR HIM. OH THE MUSCLES! SO IMPRESSSIVE! BUT NOTHING TO SHOW THE MUSCLES WHERE HIS BRAIN SHOULD BE.
Kegsbreath can't do a single pull-up, he clearly skips leg days, and when he tries to hang out with his fellow youngsters he kick-flips the skateboard into his nuts. But… fat generals, amirite?
They (US) have contempt for Zelensky. This US administration is so full of itself that other than China & Russia they see all other nations as inferior territories to be dominated. The world sees the US government is morally bankrupt and is no longer a trustworthy ally. They(US) are jealous & afraid that a comedian turned politician is still standing strong against a so-called super power, because he is shown to be a real leader that other countries may emulate to stand up to the US, notwithstanding its military strength. Zelensky has more conviction, courage, resilience and intelligence. in his pinky finger than Trump and his band of boot-lickers sitting at the table in the picture above. He deserves a noble peace prize if this war ever ends, and post it on 'X' - who has the cards now baby?
YES, HE KNOWS HE HAS TO WORK WITH A DISFUNCTIONAL NARCISSIST AND HE DOES IT SO WELL.
From your typing fingers to the powers that be, Jay. Zelenskyy is a brave soul, a hero, and very noble for continuing to face trump and his gaggle of goons, all for love of his country, democracy and his people.
Just that photograph of trump surrounded by mean, ugly, braindead white men made my skin crawl - had I been Z walking into that meeting, I'd have had to take a very deep breath, remember the idiocy I was about to encounter and steel myself.
He's definitely a heroic human being to whom we can look for inspiration, even if it's wistful, remembering how we once looked at the American president like that.
AH, THE CONTRAST, ZELENSKY IN THE SAME FRAME AS TRUMP!
Zelenskyy is an AWESOME president & negotiator. Just like us, he knows trump is on the way out, so he's playing the long game. When Democrats retake control of Congress, Ukraine(& the EU, UK, Western Europe & our allies) will get the help they need. SLAVA UKRAINI!
It would help if Americans with morality were more vocal.
They of course excludes anyone on the US side of the table.
When will the churches step up--about anything, or are they too embarrassed after stumping for this regime?
I'm so proud of Pope Leo and many of the clergy for speaking out! I gave up going to church as a teenager >50 years ago (for Lent🙂) Finally, I'm hearing people really ask what Jesus would do.
WELL, IF WE CAN TAKE THOSE VERSES AS HISTORY, HE DROVE THE MONEY CHANGERS OUT OF THE TEMPLE. AND TRUMP?
WHILE I WHOLLY SUPPORT SEPARATION OF CHIRCH AND STATE, OUR CHURCHES, TEMPLES AND MOSQUES ARE BASTIONS OF OUR MORALS. THERE COME TIMES WHEN THEY MUST SPEAK. NOW IS SUCH A TIME.
The only things that will make Putin “compromise” are more effective sanctions, more effective armaments for Ukraine and fear that the Russian people will turn against his regime en masse. Will Trump assist in making that happen? Doubtful.
Well said, friend: "That makes Zelenskyy the continuing hero of this story, struggling against a cabal of villains and idiots who plainly see not a murderous warmonger in Putin but a golden ticket, a way to secure vast oil and mineral wealth. These are not real peacemakers; they are robber barons. And they will do what is best for themselves, not the world, Ukraine or even the U.S."
If Zelenskyy can achieve peace given the odds stacked against him, he should receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
I'll say it again: Donald should have to go to Ukraine to talk to Pres. Zelenskyy. What's he afraid of? Is he incapable of doing something the man he called sleepy & incompetent and a Black woman managed to do?
When this came up quite some time ago, JD had the brazenness/stupidity to say, "I've watched and read the stories [about the war]." Yes, because that is exactly the same as being there. Cowards.
If Vance or Trump got caught in a war zone, they'd be worse off than than the coward in Saving Private Ryan. They'd try to bribe the enemy to stop from being shot.
Jay, for a while, I’ve been working on a concept surrounding or defining Zelenskyy in Ukraine as I see him while trying to articulate a concept for how to define what he has managed to accomplish over these last 3 years. I call it “The Zelenskyy Effect.” I hope it catches on and eventually we see classes taught about this concept all over the world at world class universities.
The Zelenskyy Effect is what happens when a democratically elected leader under invasion refuses exile, looks both his own people and the world in the eye, and, through moral courage and unfiltered communication, forces corrupt and complicit powers to choose between democracy and decay—reshaping alliances until democracy rallies to his side and an otherwise doomed country survives and prospers.
1. I’m anticipating his survival and 2. I’m anticipating our democratic survival which is yet to happen, but I like our chances.
What do you think? I have some other renditions.
“World class universities” and let’s start even earlier than that. Kindergarten. Start with moral courage as a lesson. They can handle that if presented in an age-appropriate way, don’t you think?
Zelenskyy is the Earnest Shackleton of our day. Per Shackleton, “Optimism is true moral courage”
I also appreciate the reference 😊the previous line was "The quality I look for most is optimism: especially optimism in the face of reverses and apparent defeat. " Zelenskyy has that moral courage.
Thanks for that quote and reference. I need to buff up my optimism for whatever comes next.
After checking, i’m delighted to learn that Shackleton was born in County Kildare, Republic of Ireland.
Here, here that is exactly what I am teaching my six year old Grandson. To be fair and kinder to his 4 year old sister, all because that is what is right! He is more than able to understand and implement that reasoning, critical thinking.
Well done, Grandma Eileen!
For sure! It really needs to be taught to everyone everywhere.
I would never trust any " security guarantees" given by the US after our abysmal record in NOT keeping pasr promises. Russia needs to be Defeated!
Completely agree with you. It is shameful that previous security measures were considered mere suggestions rather than firm stances. Putin invaded and should not be rewarded with any Ukrainian territory. The Crimean theft was bad enough. It is also shameful how the West failed to respond effectively in 2014.
Crimea's leadership, like Belarus, was Putin-loving and wouldn't put up even a tepid resistance, so what would have been the point?
There's really only one way the war ends: by Putin leaving Ukraine. And that won't happen as the war is how Putin stays in power. The Russian economy is an absolute disaster, getting wors, and with over 1,000,000 Russians killed, families destroyed, it will take decades for Russia to recover from this.
Add Russia's centuries long goal of imperialism, and their belief that Ukraine and Ukrainians simply should not exist.
Between that, Trump and that pathetic rogues gallery with their Russia/business interests-first...with a pro-fascism/pro-Russia VP Vance waiting in the wings...here's to the EU continuing to step up. Because on the battlefield, Russia has no cards, they are losing, and the best they can hope for is an ongoing meat grinder stalemate, the longer Ukraine doesn't get the support they need.
I really wish South Park would cover Trump’s obsession with winning the Nobel Peace Prize (because we all know that’s what his real motivation is). I’d pity him if I didn’t hate him so much.
Is there anything tangible we, the people, can do to help Zelenskyy?
You might check Timothy Snyder's substack "Thinking About." Periodically he posts links for donations. The last one was to help Ukraine buy ambulances. He has very close connections to Ukraine, so I'm confident that every penny is well spent.
If you'd like to help, this is the link Dr. Snyder posted about the need for ambulances:
https://www.help99.co/patches/timothy-snyder-freedom-is-action
Lev Parnas has a cousin in Ukraine delivering generators, food, clothing, etc., to anyone who needs anything in Ukraine. He has a gofundme link in his substack, Lev Remembers. His cousin’s envoy was just bombed, but he saved all the generators before collapsing unconscious. He’s doing better in the hospital & getting ready to get back to deliveries. The spirit of the Ukrainians is remarkable.
Thank you All. I have made a couple of donations but I’m glad to know of some other organizations seeking help. I guess we can all also write our federal legislators and make it clear to them how we feel about Trump’s handling of Ukraine and Zelenskyy in particular.
It’s discouraging and tragic .